Whilst our first sailing with SeaDream was on the waters of the Caribbean exploring the sun-soaked islands and enjoying the white sand beaches, our second yacht voyage saw us sailing the Mediterranean, from Rome to Athens, with some very unique experiences in between.
Rome (Civitavecchia)
Flying out the day before our sailing we enjoyed one fabulous night in Rome. This was our second visit to the city and I wouldn’t hesitate to stay again and enjoy a night before any sailing. It’s a city which holds a lot of history, there is so much to see and do.
We stayed at the InterContinental Rome, which I would highly recommend, you can read my review of our stay at this hotel.
And not forgetting the incredible food!
We pre-booked a transfer to collect us from our hotel and take us to the port and it really couldn’t have been easier. Getting dropped off at the port terminal, we could see beautiful SeaDream I and SeaDream staff were there to greet us and make our check-in as smooth and easy as possible.
Before we knew it, we were walking up the gangway being greeted by Captain Kristian and being handed our first glass of champagne. We toasted to what we knew was going to be such a very special holiday.
After unpacking, we made ourselves comfortable on one of the balinese beds and sipped on an aperol spritz as we sailed away from the port of Civitavecchia ready to start our SeaDream adventure.
Capri
Our first stop was to the island of Capri and the first thing that captivated us was the view of the coastline from SeaDream. This turned out to be a regular occurrence on this sailing.
Capri was really how I imagined, cobbled streets, small eateries with fresh seafood, high-end shops and beautiful views.
Positano
We sailed into Positano in the evening and some guests departed SeaDream to enjoy a meal or soak up the night life this island had to offer.
Mr B and I, after enjoying yet another fabulous SeaDream dinner, made ourselves comfy on one of the Balinese beds, sipped on perfectly crafted cocktails and admired the coastline, lit up at night with its backdrop of a clear night sky twinkling full of stars.
So whilst we can’t say we explored Positano, we spent a few hours to ourselves, relaxing and taking in a breathtaking view with our drinks being topped up. Another perfect SeaDream moment.
Amalfi
Amalfi was really the place I was looking forward to exploring the most and we couldn’t have been any luckier as this day Chef Alistair hosted a Chef’s Walk, which all guests had the option to sign up to at no additional cost.
Not only is Chef Alistair an exceptional chef, he is also a wonderful person to talk to and we loved talking all things food with him. His passion for SeaDream, his guests and food was clear to see.
We ventured to a local deli and shop where a feast of samples awaited us. Local meats, cheese, olive oil, bruschetta, breads, all washed down with wine which kept appearing in our glasses at 11am in the morning! Afterwards, we were treated to a limoncello tasting as well as trying some Italian biscuits and limoncello chocolates.
Not quite finished, Chef Alister took us to a local gelato shop. For me? Well, I was in Amalfi after all, so I had to order the Amalfi lemon sorbet, served in a lemon. It was delicious, zesty, tart and refreshing.
After the wonderful walk, Mr B and I headed back to the deli to stock up on some gifts for our family and, of course, a few treats for ourselves.
Taormina (Etna) Sicily
Another picture-postcard view from SeaDream over another stunning Italian coastline.
SeaDream put on a complimentary shuttle bus for guests wishing to explore Taormina.
Sicily was also one of the ports where the water toys came out for guests to enjoy. Mr B and I both loved the slide, I can’t imagine being anywhere but SeaDream sliding off the yacht into the ocean. It’s very cool and also an extremely fun and a unique experience.
We had a great time on the jet skis, zipping around at speed taking in the views around us. It was really so much fun.
We love that all these water toys are included with SeaDream.
But the highlight of Sicily for us came the night before. Sailing past Stromboli late in the night, we watched in awe as we witnessed the volcanic eruptions, one after the other. And of course, we were on SeaDream so we did this with champagne in hand.
A special pinch-me moment which we will both remember forever.
Sailing the Ionian Sea
Sea days on SeaDream are, for us, pure relaxation.
Relaxing on a lounger, book in hand and our Kir Royales constantly replenished. Pure bliss.
Itea (Delphi)
At our stop in this small coastal town we had pre-booked our own tour. Mr B and I both love food, and we also love learning about where our food comes from and the process it takes. That’s why during our time in Itea I booked us a farm tour and wax workshop at Moka Honey, a local bee and olive farm whose focus is minimizing their impact to the environment
Mr B and I both agreed it was an amazing way to spend our time in Itea. We learnt so much about the wonderful honey bee. We truly have a new appreciation for these amazing little creatures.
We, of course, tried the wonderful honey. My declaration, the best honey I have ever tasted. The second workshop we did, we made soaps and wax tablets. It was great smelling all the different fragrances and decorating our tablets.
If you are ever near this area, I can’t recommend a visit to Moka highly enough. It was a unique experience and wonderful to spend time with the passionate and friendly team who work there.
Corinth Canal Transit
Sailing through the Corinth Canal was a special once-in-a-lifetime experience we will never forget.
This famous man-made canal connects the Ionian and the Aegean seas. When we approached the canal we both stated that it doesn’t even look wide enough for the beautiful SeaDream I to fit down!
But we never doubted the skill of Captain Kristian and his crew as we sailed down the canal at sunset. Mr B and I stood at the front of the ship marvelling at our surroundings.
Hydra
Another wonderful view from SeaDream I awaited us as we arrived in Hydra.
This quaint island is very unique as it has no cars or motorbikes, with them being banned by law.
It’s really a picture-perfect Greek island. As you wander the cobbled streets, you see beautiful white buildings, lovely pink Bougainvillea flowers, little tavernas, independent shops and friendly Greek cats.
Athens
Our departure from SeaDream I (even though we never wanted the day to come!) was in Athens.
After one last breakfast with a glass of farewell champagne, of course, we departed this wonderful vessel, saying goodbye and hugging many of the crew as we left.
Captain Kristian and hotel manager Eric were at the gangway bidding passengers farewell. The goodbyes were hard but we knew the memories we had made on this exceptional voyage will be with us forever.
To quote many of the SeaDream staff as we departed, SeaDream, it’s not goodbye, it’s until next time.
Read my blog post all about the beautiful SeaDream 1 and the facilities on offer to passengers . . .
Read about what you can expect from the food on a SeaDream sailing . . .
Want to know what its like sailing the Caribbean with SeaDream and which unique island she stops at . . .
